USCIS data shows the VAWA I-360 self-petition backlog surpassed 272,000 pending cases by the end of FY2026 Q3, more than doubling since FY2024, with approvals remaining far below incoming petition volumes each quarter.
USCIS data for fiscal year 2026’s second quarter shows approximately 259,000 VAWA I-360 petitions currently pending, offering a snapshot of where the agency stands in processing these special immigrant and widow(er) cases.
USCIS Q1 FY2026 data show VAWA self-petition denials outpacing approvals for the first time, with a 34% approval rate and a backlog exceeding 212,000 cases, signaling significant processing delays and heightened uncertainty for abuse survivors seeking immigration relief.
USCIS has updated guidance for the VAWA program to address widespread fraud, increasing scrutiny of applications and clarifying requirements. Genuine survivors remain protected, but petitioners should expect enhanced review of evidence and eligibility moving forward.
